Week 1

What is AI?

Explore foundational questions about artificial intelligence through Turing's classic paper and Suchman's critical perspective on AI's materiality.

Learning Objectives

  • 1Understand the historical context of AI through Turing's 1950 paper and the objections he addressed
  • 2Experience the Imitation Game firsthand and reflect on whether it's a good test of intelligence
  • 3Recognize AI as material infrastructure (servers, energy, labor) rather than disembodied intelligence
  • 4Connect the readings (Turing, Suchman) to hands-on exploration of AI systems

Required Readings

  • Turing, A. (1950)

    Computing Machinery and Intelligence

    Mind, 59(236)

  • Suchman, L. (2023)

    The uncontroversial 'thingness' of AI

    Big Data & Society

"I propose to consider the question, 'Can machines think?'"

- Alan Turing (1950), opening line

Interactive Modules

Turing's Objections Explorer

Explore the nine objections Turing addressed in 1950, his responses, and how these same arguments appear in today's debates about AI.

15-20 min
  • -Interactive cards for each objection
  • -Contemporary examples and quotes
  • -Course connections
  • -Reflection prompts

The Imitation Game Simulator

Play the role of interrogator in Turing's famous test. Chat with two respondents and try to figure out which is human and which is AI.

10-15 min
  • -Dual chat interface
  • -Real AI vs simulated human
  • -Make your guess and see results
  • -Reflection on the test itself

AI Materiality Explorer

Following Suchman's concept of 'thingness', explore what AI actually is - the infrastructure, energy, and labor behind the chat interface.

10-15 min
  • -Chat with live metadata display
  • -See infrastructure behind responses
  • -Energy and carbon estimates
  • -Connection to Suchman reading

Tips for This Week

Before Starting

Complete the readings first - the modules are designed to complement and deepen your understanding of Turing and Suchman's arguments.

Keep Questions in Mind

As you explore: What did you think AI was before? What do you think now? How does knowing the infrastructure change your perspective?